THERE is a saying that . . . “skilled plumbers aren’t cheap and cheap plumbers aren’t skilled.”
Others say there are four kinds of plumbers, with the best ones of course being those skilled and licensed professionals who fix plumbing problems first time right. The rest are DIY projects going wrong, fly-by-nights and scammers looking to make quick money and the last one those well-intentioned blokes who unfortunately lack the tricks-of-the-trade.
A resident from Uitenhage, who wishes to stay anonymous, recently experienced all four kinds of plumbers in efforts to have an underground leak fixed. He contacted the UD Express, wishing to warn others of the pitfalls of not doing your homework when it comes to choosing a plumber.
“I had a temporary pipe fitted by one plumber which cost me R950. R500 in labour and R450 in call out fee. The job took them about 15 minutes. He initially told me there would be no call out fee if I have the temporary pipe fitted, but later insisted I pay the R450 because he did not get the job to complete the permanent repair, which is why I am sorry I did not record our conversation,” said the resident.
He became aware of the water leak problem only when he checked his municipal account.
“Our normal water usage average is between 7 and 9 k/l a month and my account was for 51 k/l.”
The resident said they had a few plumbers in to have a look at the problem, only to find out afterwards that most of the insurers each have a specific plumber that they use.
“The plumber who completed the repair did a good job and I was happy with their work.
The resident said it is important to ask for a written quote before starting any major work. Also, if possible, to record conversations with the plumber, what they say and what they invoice you for may differ substantially.
The rest of his advice is as follow:
- If you have home insurance, first check with the insurance company to see if they use a specific plumber.
- Establish whether a plumber is registered and whether they give you a written guarantee on their work.
- Establish whether they charge a call out fee and how much.
- If they charge per hour, keep a time sheet that you both agree on and make sure they are in fact working.
- Insist on a receipt or tax invoice before parting with any money and an affidavit that the work was completed if you are going to claim or try and recover money from the municipality.
- Take photos before, during and on completion of the work. You will need them for insurance purposes and to resolve any issues that may arise later.
- Finally, do not believe the reviews you may read on internet. Ask for actual references.
The resident said his best advice when it comes to finding a plumber is, “don’t panic, think rationally and first check with your insurer.”
